Art
Painter Turns Barn Cleaning Sustainability into Stunning Cow Portraits
German artist Werner Härtl creates intricate paintings using the waste from cleaning his cow barns. His use of an unconventional yet sustainable medium challenges norms and underscores the potential of finding inspiration in unexpected sources within the realm of art.
By Beth Snider · January 22, 2024
Werner Härtl
In the world of art, experimentation knows no bounds, and German artist Werner Härtl, of Reichersbeuern, takes this notion to a whole new level with his medium of choice - cow dung. While unconventional, Härtl has turned this seemingly unappealing substance into a tool for creating intricate and detailed paintings that celebrate Bavaria's rural heritage. weeh_achtenseventy/Instagram
Inspired by Rural Surroundings
Härtl's journey into the world of cow dung art began in 2012 during his time as an agricultural worker. Inspired by the rural surroundings, he started experimenting with cow manure, exploring its adhesive and coloring properties. weeh_achtenseventy/Instagram
Painting Portraits of Cows
What started as a practical solution for cleaning barns led to the creation of over 1,000 artworks, ranging from pastoral landscapes to detailed portraits of cows, the very creatures responsible for his palette. weeh_achtenseventy/Instagram
Self Portrait of Harvesting the Paint.
The artist's process involves harvesting the "paint" directly from the source, placing a canister just under a cow's rectum as it poops. Härtl collects the dung, which he later dilutes with water to achieve different shades. weeh_achtenseventy/Instagram
Different Stages of Painting
He describes his technique, saying, "I start scribbling using very dry, gentle brushstrokes. Then, I use watered-down dung for light shades. Finally, I use dung with no water mixed in for the dark shades." The result is a series of monochromatic paintings that surprisingly don't emit an unpleasant odor once dry. weeh_achtenseventy/Instagram
No Health Issues
While some might view working with cow poop as unsanitary, Härtl claims there are no health or hygienic issues, citing clinical studies from 2003 that suggest cow manure contains bacteria beneficial to humans. weeh_achtenseventy/Instagram
Sustainable Art
Beyond the novelty of his medium, Härtl points out the sustainability of cow dung. Discussing the idea of a sustainable cycle, he states, "Cow dung is one thing above all: sustainable! It can be reused." Through his artwork, he hopes to make people think and make them to appreciate their environment more. weeh_achtenseventy/Instagram
House Blessings
Despite the unconventional nature of his art, Härtl has found a niche for his creations. His "house blessings" in postcard format, featuring sayings in cow dung on a gold-colored background, are particularly popular. weeh_achtenseventy/Instagram
Gold Leaf Touches
Härtl foregoes protective varnish, preferring to maintain the natural feel of the material. Finishing touches with real gold leaf enhances the overall effect and message of his works. weeh_achtungsiebzig/Instagram
Historical Art Form
While Härtl may be the first artist to paint concretely with dung, he acknowledges that the idea is not entirely new in Europe. Fresh cow dung mixed with lime milk was historically used as a covering paint for interior spaces. weeh_achtenseventy/Instagram